Roofing shingle

ABSTRACT

A roofing shingle including a lower layer including a headlap and a plurality of tabs extending from the headlap, and an upper layer including one or more fingers, wherein the one or more fingers are disconnected from one another, and wherein each of the one or more fingers is disposed on one tab of the plurality of tabs, wherein a number of the plurality of tabs is different than a number of the one or more fingers. In an embodiment, the lower layer is a lowermost layer of the roofing shingle. In another embodiment, the roofing shingle further includes an alignment feature disposed in an exposure zone of the roofing shingle, wherein the alignment features is adapted to permit alignment of adjacent roofing shingles during installation on a roof.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/317,065, entitled “ROOFING SHINGLE,” byRobert L. Jenkins et al., filed Apr. 1, 2016, which is assigned to thecurrent assignee hereof and is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to roofing shingles.

RELATED ART

Roofing shingles typically include flat, rectangular shaped elementsarranged in an overlapping configuration on a roof to protect astructure from elemental damage. Roofing shingles may include variousmaterials, such as wood, slate, stone, ceramic, fiber, metal, plastic,composite, or asphalt.

In addition to protecting structures, roofing shingles provide aestheticvalue. Shingle manufacturers have long recognized the structural andaesthetic aspects of shingles and continue to demand improved roofingshingles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and are not limited in theaccompanying figures.

FIG. 1 includes a front elevation view of a roofing shingle inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 2 includes a side elevation view of the roofing shingle inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 3 includes a front side elevation view of the roofing shingle inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIGS. 4 to 8 include front elevation views of roofing shingles inaccordance with embodiments described herein.

FIG. 9 includes a front side elevation view of a roofing shingle inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 10 includes a front elevation view of a roofing shingle inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 11 includes a cross-sectional elevation view of a shingle inaccordance with an embodiment as seen along Line A-A in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 includes a cross-sectional elevation view of a shingle inaccordance with an embodiment as seen along Line B-B in FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 includes a front elevation view of a roofing shingle inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 14 includes a front elevation view of an array of roofing shinglesin accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 15 includes a front side elevation view of a roofing shingle inaccordance with an embodiment.

Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the figures are illustratedfor simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale.For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures maybe exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improveunderstanding of embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description in combination with the figures is provided toassist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The followingdiscussion will focus on specific implementations and embodiments of theteachings. This focus is provided to assist in describing the teachingsand should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope orapplicability of the teachings.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,”“including,” “has,” “having,” or any other variation thereof, areintended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process,method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is notnecessarily limited only to those features but may include otherfeatures not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary,“or” refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example,a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true(or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or notpresent) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (orpresent).

The use of “a” or “an” is employed to describe elements and componentsdescribed herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give ageneral sense of the scope of the invention. This description should beread to include one or at least one and the singular also includes theplural, or vice versa, unless it is clear that it is meant otherwise.

Aspects of the drawings include different shading of individual layersor portions, which is not intended to signify particular color value orintensity but only to indicate color contrasts between layers or alongthe same layer. The shading is optional and does not need to be applied.Further, reference to different shaded granules and depiction thereof inthe drawings is not intended to signify that the invention is limited toroofing shingles with such an arrangement of granules, or granules ingeneral. Rather, the shaded granules are optional and need not beapplied.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. The materials, methods, andexamples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. To theextent not described herein, many details regarding specific materialsand processing acts are conventional and may be found in textbooks andother sources within the roofing shingle arts.

Roofing shingles in accordance with embodiments described hereingenerally include a lower layer and an upper layer. The lower layer caninclude a headlap and a plurality of tabs extending from the headlap.The upper layer can include one or more fingers disconnected from oneanother. The one or more fingers can be arranged along an upper surfaceof the lower layer—particularly, along the tabs and headlap. In anembodiment, each tab of the lower layer can include no more than onefinger, but certain tabs may be free, or essentially free, (such asdevoid) of a finger. In certain embodiments, at least one of the fingerscan extend across an entire width of the lower layer. In otherembodiments, at least one of the fingers can extend a distance differentthan the width of the lower layer, such as less than the width of thelower layer. An impact resistant material can be coupled to the lowerlayer of the roofing shingle, providing dampening against impactingobjects.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a roofing shingle 100 (hereinafter,“shingle”) in accordance with embodiments described herein generallyincludes a lower layer 102 and an upper layer 104. In an embodiment, thelower layer 102 forms a lowermost layer of the shingle 100. In anotherembodiment, the upper layer 104 forms an uppermost layer of the shingle100. In a particular instance, the shingle 100 can be free, oressentially free, (such as devoid) of additional layers such as atertiary layer along the lowermost surface of the lower layer 102, alongthe uppermost surface of the upper layer 104, or along both thelowermost surface of the lower layer 102 and the uppermost surface ofthe upper layer 104. In another instance, one or more elements can bepositioned along the lowermost surface of the lower layer 102, along theuppermost surface of the upper layer 104, or along both the lowermostsurface of the lower layer 102 and the uppermost surface of the upperlayer 104. Examples of laminated shingle configurations are described inU.S. Pat. No. 6,145,265, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

The lower layer 102 can include a headlap 106 extending along a length,L, and at least partially along a width, W, of the shingle 100 and oneor more tabs 108 extending from the headlap 106. The headlap 106 can bepolygonal such as rectangular, or generally rectangular. Installed, theheadlap 106, or a portion thereof, is typically covered by an overlyingshingle 100.

In an embodiment, the lower layer 102 includes only one tab 108extending between a left edge and a right edge of the shingle 100. Thatis, the shingle 100 may be free, or essentially free, of slots otherwiseseparating adjacent tabs. In another embodiment, the lower layer 102includes a plurality of tabs 108, such as two tabs, three tabs, fourtabs, or five tabs extending from the headlap 106. In anotherembodiment, the lower layer 102 can include more than five tabs, such asat least six tabs, at least seven tabs, at least eight tabs, at leastnine tabs, or even at least ten tabs. In a particular embodiment, thetabs 108 can all extend equidistance from the headlap 106. The tabs 108can extend at least 5% of the width, W, of the shingle 100, such as atleast 10% W, at least 20% W, at least 30% W, at least 40% W, or even atleast 50% W. In an embodiment, the tabs 108 extend less than W, such asless than 99% W, less than 90% W, less than 80% W, less than 70% W, orless than 60% W.

Referring to FIG. 4, in an embodiment, the tabs 108 can extend differentdistances from the headlap 106 toward a butt end 116 of the shingle 100.In some embodiments, the butt end 116 may be variegated. As used herein,“variegated” refers to an irregular edge that is non-symmetrical andwhich may have multiple or variable widths. Variegated butt ends may berectilinear, non-linear, or not co-linear. A variegated butt end 116 maybe discontinuous, including one or more slots, as discussed below. Inother embodiments, the butt end 116 does not have slots and is notsectioned or interrupted into smaller portions either wholly orpartially by such features. In addition, the butt end 116 may have atleast one edge portion that is straight, curved or has other geometricshape, profile or design, or is a combination of multiple geometricshapes.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 3, the tabs 108 can extend from theheadlap 106 in a uniform, or generally uniform, direction with respectto one other. Adjacent tabs 108 can be spaced apart by slots 110extending parallel, or generally parallel, with the width, W, of theshingle 100. In certain embodiments, the slots 108 can have uniformcharacteristics with respect to one another. For example, the slots 108can all have a same width, as measured parallel with the width, W, ofthe shingle 100, a same length, as measured perpendicular to the width,W, a same area, a same shape as compared to one another, or acombination thereof. In an embodiment, at least one of the slots 110 canextend past the tabs 108 into the headlap 106. In a particular instance,the at least one slot 110 can extend at least 1% into the headlap'swidth, at least 5% into the headlap's width, at least 10% into theheadlap's width, or even at least 25% of the headlap's width. In anotherinstance, the at least one slot 110 can extend no greater than 75% thewidth of the headlap, no greater than 50% of the width of the headlap,or no greater than 30% the width of the headlap. In an embodiment, atleast one of the slots 110 can extend a different distance into theheadlap 106 than a slot 110 along the same or different shingle 100. Ina different embodiment, all of the slots 110 can extend a same distanceinto the headlap 106. At least one of the slots 110 can terminate with arounded end, a polygonal end, or an end having rounded and polygonalattributes. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the slot 110 can terminate at thebutt end 116 of the shingle 100 with a flared opening. The flaredopening can include tapered sides—expanding linearly or curvilinearly.

In an embodiment, at least one of the slots 110 is closed, or fullysurrounded by portions of the lower layer 102. That is, the at least oneslot 110 has a perimeter defined entirely by the lower layer 102, i.e.,the slot is not open and does not terminate at the butt end 116. The atleast one slot may terminate with a rounded end, a polygonal end, or anend having rounded and polygonal attributes at either, or both, ends. Ina particular embodiment, the shingle 100 can include a combination ofopen and closed slots 110. In another particular embodiment, adjacenttabs 108 can be spaced apart by multiple slots 110, such as multipleclosed slots. The closed slots can optionally all lie along a same lineextending from the butt end 116 of the shingle 100 to the headlap 106.

In a particular instance, at least one, such as a plurality, of theslots 110 can be slits having no discernable length, as measuredparallel with a length, L, of the shingle 100. Slits can break surfacetextures, changing aesthetic appearance of the shingle 100 withoutmaterial removal.

In certain embodiments, the slots 110 can have different lengths ascompared to one another, as measured parallel with the length, L, of theshingle 100. For example, a first slot can have a first length that isat least 101% the length of a second slot, at least 102% the length ofthe second slot, at least 103% the length of the second slot, at least104% the length of the second slot, at least 105% the length of thesecond slot, at least 110% the length of the second slot, at least 150%the length of the second slot, or at least 200% the length of the secondslot. In other embodiments, the slots 110 can have the same, orrelatively similar, lengths as one another, as measured parallel withthe length, L.

Shingles 100 in accordance with embodiments described herein can furtherinclude fingers 112 as part of the upper layer 104. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the first and third tabs 108 a and 108 c each include one finger112 extending entirely from the headlap 106 to the butt end 116 of therespective tab 108 a and 108 c while the second and fourth tabs 108 band 108 d are free, or essentially free, of fingers 112. The disclosureis not intended to be limited to this exemplary configuration. Inanother embodiment, the first and fourth tabs 108 a and 108 d can eachinclude one finger 112 while the second and third tabs 108 b and 108 care free of fingers 112. In a further embodiment, the first and secondtabs 108 a and 108 b can each include one finger 112 while the third andfourth tabs 108 c and 108 d are free of fingers. In yet anotherembodiment, the second and third tabs 108 b and 108 c can each includeone finger while the first and fourth tabs 108 a and 108 d are free offingers 112. In another embodiment, the first, second, and third tabs108 a, 108 b, and 108 c can each include one finger 112 while the fourthtab 108 d is free of fingers 112. Other arrangements between tabs 108and fingers 112 are also contemplated by this disclosure.

By way of a non-limiting embodiment, the fingers 112 can be attached tothe lower layer 102, for example, by an adhesive, mechanical fastener,mechanical deformation, threaded or non-threaded fasteners, or anycombination thereof.

The upper layer 104 can include one or more fingers 112, such as forexample, at least one finger, at least two fingers, at least threefingers, at least four fingers, or even at least five fingers. Eachfinger of the one or more fingers 112 can be aligned with a tab 108 ofthe lower layer 102. In an embodiment, each of the one or more fingers112 is disposed on one tab 108. In another embodiment, each tab 108includes no more than one finger 112. In certain embodiments, each tab108 includes one finger 112. In certain embodiments, the total number oftabs 108 is different than the total number of fingers 112. That is, aratio of the total number of tabs 108 to the total number of fingers isdifferent than 1:1. For example, a ratio [N_(T):N_(F)] of the totalnumber of tabs, N_(T), to the total number of fingers, N_(F), can begreater than 1:1, such as at least 1.1:1, at least 1.5:1, at least1.75:1, or at least 2:1. The fingers 112 can be arranged along the tabs108 in predetermined patterns (as discussed previously with respect toFIG. 4) or randomly distributed such that different shingles 100 includedifferent finger arrangements.

The relative width of the tabs 108 and fingers 112 can be changed andaltered from the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4. Forexample, the first and fourth tabs 108 a and 108 d can have largerwidths than the second and third tabs 108 b and 108 c. The second andthird tabs 108 b and 108 c can be larger widths than the first andfourth tabs 108 a and 108 d. The first, second, and fourth tabs 108 a,108 b, and 108 d can have larger widths than the third tab 108 c.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the fingers 112 along shingle 100 allhave a generally rectangular shape including four generally orthogonaledges. Referring to FIG. 7, a shingle 700 in accordance with certainembodiments described herein can also include fingers 712 with nonrectangular shapes. For example, at least one of the fingers 712 a caninclude a taper or a tapered portion defined by a finger having achanging (varying) length, as measured along a width of the finger 712a. Finger length is parallel with shingle length, L, while finger widthis parallel with shingle width, W.

The taper or tapered portion can taper linearly or curvilinearly, suchas arcuately. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the taper can extend along theentire width of at least one of the fingers, e.g., finger 712 a.Alternatively, the taper can extend less than the entire width of thefinger. For example, finger 712 b includes a tapered portion 714disposed between two rectangular portions 716 and 718. The taperedportion 714 can extend less than 90% the width of the shingle, less than80% the width of the shingle, less than 70% the width of the shingle,less than 60% the width of the shingle, less than 50% the width of theshingle, less than 40% the width of the shingle, less than 30% the widthof the shingle, or less than 10% the width of the shingle. Finger 712 cincludes a tapered portion 720 disposed between two rounded portions 722and 724. The rounded portions 722 and 724 can have a single origin orinclude segments formed with different origins. In a non-illustratedembodiment, at least one of the fingers can include a double-taper. Thatis, the finger can include two tapered portions. The tapered portionscan abut one another or be spaced apart by an intermediary portion. Thetapered portions can taper uniformly or have different profiles ascompared to one another. The taper angle or taper style (linear orcurvilinear) of different tapered portions can be the same or differentas compared to one another.

In an embodiment, at least one of the fingers can have at least twotapered portions, at least three tapered portions, at least four taperedportions, or at least five tapered portions. The at least one finger canhave no greater than 100 different tapered portions, no greater than 50different tapered portions, or no greater than 10 different taperedportions. It should be understood that the finger arrangement in FIG. 7is illustrative. The fingers disposed on a single shingle may have thesame or different shapes as compared to one another, including othernon-illustrated shapes.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate embodiments of shingles 800 including fingers812 each formed from multiple layers. The fingers 812 can include twolayers, three layers, four layers, five layers, or any other number ofsuitable layers disposed adjacent, such as vertically aligned, withrespect to one another. The layers can partially or fully overlap oneanother, forming localized areas of the shingle 800 with increased ordecreased dimensional thickness. Such layering may enhance aestheticpresentation, reflecting light at different angles and intensities moreclosely simulating natural materials.

Finger 812 a includes two vertically aligned layers 814 and 816extending the entire width, W, of the shingle 800. The layers 814 and816 have different lengths and lie along a mutual centerline. Finger 812b includes two layers similar to finger 812 a, with the upper layer 818instead having a canted, offset edge. The length of the upper layer 818is greater at an end adjacent the headlap of the underlying lower layerthan at the end adjacent to the butt end. As discussed above, thevarying length of the finger 812 b can occur linearly or curvilinearlyand can include one or more tapered portions. Finger 812 c includesthree vertically aligned layers 820, 822, and 824. The layers areillustrated as aligned with one another, but can alternatively be offsetfrom each other. As illustrated, the layers decrease in length away fromthe lower layer. Alternatively, the layers can have different profilessuch that a first layer disposed over a second layer has a length lessthan the length of the second layer. The edges of the first layer canfloat, disconnected from the underlying layer at peripheries thereof orbe bent toward the lower layer. Finger 812 d includes a lower layer 826and two upper layers 828 and 830. While upper layer 828 is rectangular,upper layer 830 has a tapering profile. Similarly, while upper layer 828extends across the entire width of the shingle 800, upper layer 830terminates a distance from the butt end of the shingle 800 so as to bespaced apart therefrom. As previously discussed, the above describedembodiments are intended as merely exemplary. The scope of thedisclosure is intended to cover fingers having various shapes, sizes,layers, and configurations other than those illustrated.

Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, in accordance with one or more embodiments,at least one of the fingers 1012 includes a plurality of pieces orlayers arranged along the shingle width, W. For example, finger 1012 aincludes two orthogonal pieces 1014 a and 1014 b abutting at a joint1016 disposed over a tab of the lower layer. Finger 1012 b includes twoorthogonal pieces abutting at a joint on the headlap of the lower layer.Finger 1012 c includes two polygonal, non-orthogonal pieces abutting ata joint disposed over a portion of the headlap and a portion of a tab ofthe lower layer. The joint is canted relative to the width of theshingle. Finger 1012 d includes three orthogonal pieces 1016 a, 1016 b,and 1016 c where pieces 1016 a and 1016 b abut at joint 1018 over theheadlap of the lower layer. Piece 1016 b overlaps a portion of 1016 asuch that an upper edge of piece 1016 c extends to the dashed line 1020.In a particular instance, the joint formed between adjacent pieces canbe flush, such that the pieces do not overlap one another. In anotherparticular instance, the joint formed between adjacent pieces canoverlap. Partial stacking of the layers as illustrated by finger 1012 dmay enhance aesthetic presentation of the shingle, more closelysimulating natural materials. It is noted that the scope of thedisclosure is intended to cover fingers having various joints andcomponent arrangements.

In an embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 15, at least one of the fingers1512 a can be disposed along a back side 1520 of the lower layer 1502 ofthe shingle 1500. That is, the embodiment illustrated, for example, inFIG. 1 can be reversed such that at least one of the fingers 1512 aextends along a lower surface of the shingle 1500. In this regard, thefinger 1512 a may be hidden from view when installed. In a particularembodiment, at least one finger 1512 b is disposed on an opposite majorsurface of the shingle 1500. As discussed in greater detail below, thefingers can assist with shingle alignment during installation.Underlying and overlying fingers can permit enhanced alignment in boththe X- and Y-directions. In certain instances, the finger(s) on oneshingle can be staggered with respect to fingers on underlying oroverlying shingles. That is, upon proper alignment, the back side finger1512 a can be positioned along the lower layer of an underlying shinglewithout contacting a finger.

In other instances, the finger(s) on one shingle can be adapted to alignwith fingers (or portions of fingers) of an underlying shingle. Forexample, in FIG. 15 is illustrated a side perspective view of shingles1500, 1530, and 1560. At least one of the fingers 1512 a, 1542 a, and1572 a can be disposed along a back side 1520, 1550, and 1580 of a lowerlayer 1502, 1532, and 1562, of the shingle 1500, 1530, and 1590,respectively, and at least one of the fingers 1512 b, 1542 b, and 1572 bcan be disposed on an opposite major surface of the shingle 1500, 1530,and 1590, respectively. The shingles can be arranged in a staggeredformation as shown in FIG. 15 such that shingle 1530 can be placed overshingle 1560 in a placement direction 1561, and shingle 1500 can beplaced over shingle 1530 in a placement direction 1531. Althoughshingles 1500, 1530, and 1560 are shown with three fingers on each side,more or fewer fingers may be included on each side, and the total numberof fingers on one side may be different than the total number of fingerson the other side. The staggered formation may assist a user in placingthe shingles in a predetermined arrangement. The staggered formation mayalso improve sealing between the staggered shingles by reducing gaps andsurface protrusions. The staggered formation also provides the benefitof allowing the shingles to fit together flatly in packaging, such aswith a back-to-back or a face-to-face arrangement.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in a particular embodiment, at least one ofthe fingers 112 extends parallel with respect to the shingle width, W.That is, a centerline 114 of the at least one finger 112 can be parallelwith the shingle width, W. The at least one finger 112 can also extendparallel with the width of the tab 108. In another particularembodiment, the finger 112 can be canted relative to the shingle width,W. That is, the centerline 114 of the at least one finger 112 can beangularly offset from W. In an embodiment, the at least one finger 112can be offset from W by at least 1°, at least 2°, at least 3°, at least4°, at least 5°, at least 10°, or at least 25°. In another embodiment,the angular offset is less than 90°, less than 75°, less than 50°, orless than 30°. Moreover, the angular offset can be in a range betweenand including any of the values described above. For example, theangular offset between the at least one finger 112 and W can be within arange between and including 2° and 80°, within a range between andincluding 5° and 50°, or within a range between and including 10° and25°. In embodiments where multiple fingers 112 are offset from W, thedifferent fingers 112 can be offset from W by different amounts. Forexample, a first finger 112 can be offset by 1° and a second finger 112on the same shingle 100 can be offset by 25°. Such varying angularoffset may break apart visual consistency along an array of roofingshingles, rendering the appearance of a more natural finish.

In an embodiment, at least one of the fingers 112 extends across theentire width, W, of the shingle 100. In another embodiment, all of thefingers 112 extend across the entire width, W. In a further embodiment,at least one of the fingers 112 extends across the shingle 100 adistance less than W, such as no greater than 99% W, no greater than 95%W, no greater than 90% W, no greater than 80% W, no greater than 70% W,no greater than 60% W, no greater than 50% W, or no greater than 25% W.The at least one finger 112 extends at least 1% W, such as at least 5%W, or even at least 10% W in accordance with other embodiments. In yetanother embodiment, all of the fingers 112 extend a distance less thanW, such as no greater than 99% W, no greater than 95% W, no greater than90% W, no greater than 80% W, no greater than 70% W, no greater than 60%W, no greater than 50% W, or no greater than 25% W.

The fingers 112 define a length, L_(F), as measured perpendicular to thewidth, W. In an embodiment, L_(F) is less than a length, L_(T), of theunderlying tab 108. For example, L_(F) can be less than 99% L_(T), lessthan 95% L_(T), less than 90% L_(T), less than 75% L_(T), or less than50% L_(T). In an embodiment, L_(F) can be no less than 1% L_(T). In sucha manner, portions of the underlying tab 108 can be seen on oppositesides of the finger 112. In an embodiment, the length, L_(F), of all ofthe fingers 112 can be the same. In another embodiment, differentfingers 112 along the same shingle 100 can have different lengths.

In an embodiment, at least one, such as all, of the fingers 112 can becentered along the underlying tab 108 of which the finger 112 overlies.In another embodiment, at least one, such as all, of the fingers 112 canbe offset from a central position of the underlying tab 108. Forexample, referring to FIG. 5, finger 112 a is centered with respect tothe underlying tab 108 a while finger 112 b is offset from a centralposition of underlying tab 108 b. In this regard, a length, L₁, on afirst side of the finger 112 b can be different from a length, L₂, on asecond side of the finger 112 b. In an embodiment, L₁ can be no lessthan 0.01 L₂, no less than 0.1 L₂, or no less than 0.5 L₂ and no greaterthan 100 L₂, no greater than 50 L₂, no greater than 10 L₂, or no greaterthan 2 L₂. Offsetting, or staggering, the fingers 112 relative to thetabs 108 can break apart patterns formed along roofs over largeareas—making for a more natural visual appearance.

The shingle 100 can define an exposure zone 118 extending in a widthdirection, W, from the butt end 116 toward the headlap 106. The exposurezone 118 is configured to be exposed to the environment when the shingle100 is installed on a roof.

Referring to FIG. 6, and in accordance with certain embodiments, theshingle 100 can further include an alignment feature 122 adapted topermit alignment of adjacent roofing shingles, in at least one of an X-and Y-direction, during installation thereof along a roof (notillustrated). The X-direction may be parallel with width, W, of theshingle 100 while the Y-direction is parallel with the length, L,thereof. The alignment feature 122 may be positioned on (122 a),partially on (122 b), or adjacent to (122 c) one or more of the fingers112 such that it is partially exposed, fully exposed, or not exposedafter installation on a roof. That is, the alignment feature 122 may beat least partially, such as fully, positioned in the exposure zone 118such that it is exposed after installation on a roof. Alternatively, thealignment feature 122 can be positioned in a hidden region of theshingle 100.

In an embodiment, the alignment feature 122 can include a body 124, suchas a discrete body, disposed along the shingle 100. The discrete bodycan be removable from the shingle 100. The discrete body can define atleast one side 126 which indicates a location for a corresponding edgeof an adjacently positioned shingle 100 in either or both the X- andY-directions. In a particular embodiment, proper alignment betweenadjacent shingles can cause one or more tactile indications, visualindications, or a combination thereof to an installer. For example, afirst shingle 100 may positioned along a roof. A second shingle 100 canbe brought toward the first shingle 100 and repositioned until thealignment feature 122 indicates proper alignment, after which time thesecond shingle 100 can be fastened to the roof.

In another embodiment, the alignment feature can include a body 124having a first major surface and a second major surface spaced apartfrom one another by a thickness defining at least three sides of thebody 124 extending between the major surfaces. At least one of the threesides of the body 124 can be positioned to indicate an X- orY-directional alignment between adjacent shingles 100.

The alignment feature 122 can be attached to the shingle 100, forexample, by an adhesive, mechanical fastener, mechanical deformation,threaded or non-threaded fasteners, or any combination thereof. Incertain embodiments, the alignment feature 122 can be removable from theshingle 100. In other embodiments, the alignment feature 122 can beintegrally attached to the shingle 100 and not removable therefrom.

In a particular instance, the alignment feature 122 has a surface area,as viewed normal to an uppermost surface of the shingle 100, that isless than a surface area of one of the fingers 112. For example, thesurface area of the alignment feature can be less than 99% the surfacearea of one finger 112, less than 90% the surface area of one finger112, less than 75% the surface area of one finger 112, less than 50% thesurface area of one finger 112, less than 25% the surface area of onefinger 112, or less than 10% the surface area of one finger 112. Thealignment feature can further have a surface area less than 99% asurface area of one tab 108, less than 90% the surface area of one tab108, less than 75% the surface area of one tab 108, less than 50% thesurface area of one tab 108, less than 25% the surface area of one tab108, or less than 10% the surface area of one tab 108.

The alignment feature 122 can have a width less than the width, W, ofthe shingle 100. For example, the alignment feature 122 can have a widththat is less than 99% W, less than 95% W, less than 90% W, less than 75%W, less than 50% W, less than 25% W, less than 10% W, or less than 1% W.Further, the alignment feature 122 can have a length that is less thanthe length, L, of the shingle 100. For example, the alignment feature122 can have a length less than 99% L, less than 95% L, less than 90% L,less than 75% L, less than 50% L, less than 25% L, less than 10% L, orless than 1% L.

In certain embodiments, the alignment feature 122 has a thickness, asmeasured perpendicular to both the length and the width of the shingle100, less than a thickness of at least one, such as both, the lowerlayer 102 and upper layer 104. For example, the alignment feature 122thickness can be less than 99% the thickness of the lower or upperlayers 102 or 104, less than 90% the thickness thereof, less than 80%the thickness thereof, less than 70% the thickness thereof, less than60% the thickness thereof, or less than 50% the thickness thereof. In anembodiment, the alignment feature 122 has a thickness no less than 1%the thickness of the lower or upper layers 102 or 104, no less than 5%the thickness thereof, no less than 10% the thickness thereof, or noless than 25% the thickness thereof.

In an embodiment, at least one of the fingers of the shingle can act asan alignment feature. Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, fingers which alsoact as alignment features are designated 1312 a and 1312 c while fingerswhich do not act as alignment features are designated 1312 b and 1312 d.In an embodiment, fingers 1312 a can act as alignment features whileextending from the butt end 1320 or a location adjacent thereto; fingers1312 c can act as alignment features while extending from the headlap1306; fingers 1312 b extend an entire width of the shingle 1300; andfingers 1312 d are disposed along the headlap 1306 in an unexposedregion and without assisting in alignment of adjacent shingles 1300.Fingers 1312 d can alter texture or surface appearance of neighboringshingles which are deformed by finger 1312 d. It is noted that fingers1312 c and 1312 d can be offset from alignment with adjacent tabs, suchthat, for example, the fingers 1312 c or 1312 d has a centerlinealigning with the slot located between adjacent tabs.

At least one finger 1312 a can terminate a distance offset from an edgeof the shingle 1300, forming a surface or edge by which future shingleplacement can be determined. As illustrated in FIG. 13, fingers 1312 aterminate within the headlap 1306 of the lower layer 1302 prior tocontacting an edge 1304 of the shingle 1300. Finger 1312 b meanwhileextends a full width of the shingle 1300. The fingers 1312 a and 1312 cmay assist in alignment of adjacent shingles (FIG. 14) duringinstallation. In a particular embodiment, the finger 1312 c can extendfrom the edge 1304 of the shingle 1300 (FIG. 13). In another embodiment,the finger 1312 c can extend from a location adjacent to the edge 1304(FIG. 14). That is, the finger 1312 c can be spaced apart from the edge1304. Similar to fingers 1312 a, the finger 1312 c can assist inalignment of adjacent shingles during installation.

Referring to FIG. 14, the butt end 1320 of an upper shingle 1300 a canbe aligned with, or even contact, one of the fingers 1312 a, 1312 b, or1312 c of the lower shingle 1300 b to align adjacent shingles withrespect to one another. Lateral placement of overlapping shingles (e.g.,shingles 1300 a and 1300 b) can be performed in any manner as understoodby those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the tabs ofoverlapping shingles can align such that a centerline of a tab of oneshingle aligns with a tab of another shingle. In another embodiment, thetab of one shingle can align with the slot of an overlapping shingle(FIG. 14). In yet a further embodiment, a tab centerline can be offsetfrom both a slot of an overlapping shingle and a centerline of a tab ofan overlapping shingle. In certain embodiments, overlying shingles canextend to, or even into, slots of underlying shingles. In otherembodiments, overlying shingles can terminate prior to overlapping theslots of underlying shingles. Skilled artisans will recognize afterreading the entire disclosure contained herein that arrangement ofoverlapping shingles can occur in various different configurationsbeyond the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, at least one of the fingers canoverhang the lower layer 1302. For example, at least one of fingers 1312a or 1312 b can overhang the butt end 1320. Alternatively, at least oneof fingers 1312 b, 1312 c, or 1312 d can overhang edge 1304 (notillustrated). The overhang length can be at least 1% the width of thefinger, as measured parallel with the width of the shingle, at least 2%the width of the finger, at least 3% the width of the finger, at least4% the width of the finger, at least 5% the width of the finger, atleast 10% the width of the finger, or at least 50% the width of thefinger. In an embodiment, the overhang length is less than 100% thewidth of the finger, less than 99% the width of the finger, or less than90% the width of the finger.

It will be understood after reading the entire specification that therelative arrangement, size, shape, and placement of at least one of thefingers, tabs, alignment features, headlaps, or otherwise can be changedor combined with fingers, tabs, alignment features, headlaps, orotherwise having different relative arrangements, sizes, shapes, andplacements. That is, the disclosure is not intended to be limited toonly those exemplary embodiments described, but instead can furtherinclude combinations and subcombinations of embodiments, along a sameshingle or between different shingles in a same array of shingles.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the shingle 100 can include a shadowformation 120 disposed at least partially in the exposure zone 118. Inan embodiment, the shadow formation 120 can terminate within theexposure zone 118, not extending into the headlap 106. The shadowformation 120 can have a width, W_(S), that is equal to, less than, orgreater than a width, W_(E), of the exposure zone 118. In someembodiments, the shadow formation 120 may vary in width by at leastabout 2%, such as at least about 5%, at least about 10%, or even atleast about 20%. In other embodiments, the shadow formation 120 may varyin width by not greater than about 50%, such as not greater than about40%, not greater than about 30%, or even not greater than about 25%. Theshadow formation 120 may cover at least 1% of a surface area of theexposure zone 118, such as at least 2%, at least 5%, at least 10%, oreven at least 25%. In an embodiment, the shadow formation 120 covers nogreater than 50% of the surface area of the exposure zone 118. In anembodiment, the shadow formation 120 simulates a cutout, slit, slot,edge, thickness, or other suitable texture or orientation of the shinglecomponents. The shadow formation 120 can extend to the headlap 106 incertain embodiments.

The shadow formation 120 can include at least one component that isstraight, curved, or has a geometric shape, profile, or design, or is acombination of multiple geometric shapes. The shadow formation 120 maybe continuous or include two or more disconnected components. The shadowformation 120 may additionally oscillate or vary in width or lengthalong any portion therealong.

The shadow formation 120 and the exposure zone 118 may differ from oneanother in color. A “color” of granules may include a single color or amixture of two or more types of granules of different color to make anoverall blend of color. More than one blend may be used on areas of aroofing product.

Regarding coloration of the granules, CIELAB is the second of twosystems adopted by CIE in 1976 as models that better showed uniformcolor spacing in their values. CIELAB is an opponent color system basedon the earlier (1942) system of Richard Hunter called L, a, b. In someembodiments, the shadow formation 120 and the exposure zone 118 maydiffer from each other in color by at least 2 L* CIE color units, suchas at least 5 L* CIE color units, at least 10 L* CIE color units, oreven at least 15 L* CIE color units. In other embodiments, the shadowformation 120 can include multiple shadowlines which may differ fromeach other in color by not greater than 50 L* CIE color units, such asnot greater than 40 L* CIE color units, not greater than 30 L* CIE colorunits, or even not greater than 20 L* CIE color units. The colordifferential also may be within a range defined by any of these minimumand maximum values. Furthermore, the shadow formation 120 can be darkeror lighter than the exposure zone 118. It will be understood that thecolor contrast between the shadow formation 120 and the exposure zone118 may be in either lightness or darkness, but also may include achromatic aspect.

In an embodiment, the shingle 100 can further include a reinforcementmaterial (not illustrated) of a substantially thinner dimension ascompared to the lower layer 102. The reinforcement material can becoupled to an exterior surface of the shingle 100 and can extend atleast substantially between opposite lateral edges of the shingle 100.The reinforcement material can include a scrim, fabric, mesh, film,paper, foil, or any combination thereof. In embodiments including scrim,fabric, or mesh, the reinforcement material can be woven or non-woven.The reinforcement material can increase structural stability of theshingle. The reinforcement material can also decrease impact damagecaused by falling objects such as hail or tree limbs by decreasingimpact absorption to the shingle layers. High strength shingles aredescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,121,178 and 5,822,943, and U.S. PatentPublication No. 2016/0017607, which are all incorporated herein in theirentirety.

In an embodiment, the shingle 100 further includes a longitudinalfastening zone between a left and right edges of the shingle, generallyintermediate an upper edge and the butt end 116. The reinforcementmaterial can be at least partially lower than the fastening zone, towardthe butt end 116 of the shingle 100, or at least partially in thefastening zone toward the upper edge of the shingle 100.

Manufacture of the shingle 100 can occur, for example, by forming thelower layer 102 including a headlap 106, a butt end 116, and tabs 108extending therebetween. Fingers 112 can be formed independently andattached to the lower layer 102 in an arrangement as discussed inaccordance with one or more of the embodiments described above. Themethod can further include applying granules to a portion, or all, ofthe shingle 100. The granules can all be the same, or similar, as oneanother, or include different types of granules, varying in color, size,shape, another similar attribute, or any combination thereof. Forexample, in an embodiment, at least a portion of the lower layer 102 caninclude a first type of granules and at least a portion of the upperlayer 104 can include a second type of granule that is different fromthe first type of granule. In another embodiment, the alignment feature122 can include a third type of granule different from at least one,such as both, the first and second types of granules. The differencebetween the third type of granule and at least one of the first andsecond types of granules may be, for example, color, size, material,texture, surface finish, or any combination thereof. In anotherembodiment, the third type of granule can be the same, or substantiallythe same, as any, or both, the first and second types of granules. In anembodiment, the method further includes applying asphalt to the shingle100; application of which can be performed prior to applying thegranules.

Many different aspects and embodiments are possible. Some of thoseaspects and embodiments are described below. After reading thisspecification, skilled artisans will appreciate that those aspects andembodiments are only illustrative and do not limit the scope of thepresent invention. Embodiments may be in accordance with any one or moreof the embodiments as listed below.

Embodiment 1

A roofing shingle consisting of: a lower layer including a headlap and aplurality of tabs extending from the headlap; and an upper layerincluding one or more fingers, wherein the one or more fingers aredisconnected from one another, and wherein each of the one or morefingers is disposed on one tab of the plurality of tabs, wherein thetotal number of the plurality of tabs is different than the total numberof the one or more fingers.

Embodiment 2

A roofing shingle comprising: a lower layer including a headlap and aplurality of tabs extending from the headlap; and one or more fingersdisconnected from one another, wherein each of the one or more fingersis disposed on one tab of the plurality of tabs, wherein the totalnumber of the plurality of tabs is different than the total number ofthe one or more fingers, and wherein the lower layer is a lowermostlayer of the roofing shingle.

Embodiment 3

The roofing shingle of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein thetotal number of the plurality of tabs is greater than the total numberof fingers.

Embodiment 4

The roofing shingle of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein aratio of the total number of the plurality of tabs to the total numberof fingers is greater than 1:1, at least 1.5:1, or at least 2:1.

Embodiment 5

The roofing shingle of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein atleast one of the one or more fingers extends an entire width of thelower layer.

Embodiment 6

The roofing shingle of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein atleast one of the one or more fingers extends a distance less than awidth of the lower layer.

Embodiment 7

The roofing shingle of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein theshingle has a butt end, and wherein at least one of the one or morefingers extends from a location adjacent to the butt end to the headlap.

Embodiment 8

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein at leastone of the one or more fingers extends from the headlap toward a buttend of the shingle.

Embodiment 9

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein at leastone of the one or more fingers is disposed on the headlap and extendsfrom an upper edge of the shingle toward a butt end of the shingle, theat least one of the one or more fingers having a lower edge that doesnot extend beyond an upper edge of an exposure zone of the shingle.

Embodiment 10

The roofing shingle of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein theplurality of tabs includes a first tab, a second tab, and a third tab,and wherein one of the one or more fingers is disposed on each of thefirst and third tabs.

Embodiment 11

The roofing shingle of embodiment 10, wherein at least one of the first,second, and third tabs is essentially free of the one or more fingers.

Embodiment 12

The roofing shingle of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein theroofing shingle has an exposure zone extending between a butt end of theshingle and the headlap of the lower layer, and wherein a shadowformation is disposed in the exposure zone, the shadow formation havinga different color than the remaining portions of the exposure zone.

Embodiment 13

The roofing shingle of embodiment 12, wherein the shadow formation doesnot extend into the headlap portion of the lower layer.

Embodiment 14

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 12 and 13, wherein theshadow formation and the remaining exposure zone differ from each otherin color by at least about 2 L*CIE color units and not greater thanabout 50 L*CIE color units.

Embodiment 15

The roofing shingle of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein atleast a portion of the lower layer comprises a first type of granule,and wherein at least a portion of the upper layer comprises a secondtype of granule that differs from the first type of granule.

Embodiment 16

The roofing shingle of any one of the preceding embodiments, whereinadjacent tabs of the lower layer are spaced apart from one another bycut outs extending from a location adjacent to a butt end of the lowerlayer to the headlap of the lower layer.

Embodiment 17

The roofing shingle of embodiment 16, wherein at least one of the cutouts extends an entire distance between the butt end and the headlap.

Embodiment 18

The roofing shingle of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein atleast one of the one or more fingers is centered along one of theplurality of tabs.

Embodiment 19

The roofing shingle of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein atleast one of the one or more fingers is offset from a central locationof one of the plurality of tabs.

Embodiment 20

The roofing shingle of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein atleast one of the one or more fingers has an exposed surface area lessthan 99% of a surface area of one of the plurality of tabs, less than90% of the surface area of one of the plurality of tabs, less than 75%of the surface area of one of the plurality of tabs, or less than 50% ofthe surface area of one of the plurality of tabs.

Embodiment 21

The roofing shingle of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein atleast one of the one or more fingers is coupled to the lower layer by anadhesive.

Embodiment 22

The roofing shingle of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein atleast one of the one or more fingers is coupled to the lower layer by amechanical fastener.

Embodiment 23

The roofing shingle of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein theone or more fingers each have a centerline extending generally along awidth dimension of the roofing shingle, and wherein the centerline of atleast one of the one or more fingers is angularly offset from the widthdimension of the roofing shingle.

Embodiment 24

The roofing shingle of any one of the preceding embodiments, furthercomprising: an alignment feature disposed in an exposure zone of theroofing shingle, wherein the alignment features is adapted to permitalignment of adjacent roofing shingles during installation on a roof.

Embodiment 25

A roofing shingle comprising: a lower layer including a headlap and aplurality of tabs extending from the headlap; an upper layer includingone or more disconnected fingers; and an alignment feature disposed inan exposure zone of the roofing shingle.

Embodiment 26

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 24 and 25, wherein atleast one of the one or more fingers comprises the alignment feature.

Embodiment 27

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 24 and 25, wherein thealignment feature comprises at least one of the one or more fingers.

Embodiment 28

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 24 and 27, wherein thealignment feature is disposed on the one or more disconnected fingers.

Embodiment 29

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 24-28, wherein thealignment feature extends into a hidden zone of the roofing shingle suchthat at least a portion of the alignment feature is covered in theinstalled state.

Embodiment 30

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 24-29, wherein the roofingshingle defines an X-direction parallel with a width of the roofingshingle and a Y-direction parallel with a length of the roofing shingle,and wherein the alignment feature is adapted to align adjacent roofingshingles in at least one of the X- and Y-directions.

Embodiment 31

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 24-30, wherein thealignment feature is attached to the roofing shingle by an adhesive.

Embodiment 32

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 24-31, wherein thealignment feature has a total surface area less than a total surfacearea of the one or more fingers.

Embodiment 33

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 24-32, wherein thealignment feature has a total surface area less than a total surfacearea of the plurality of tabs.

Embodiment 34

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 24-33, wherein thealignment feature comprises a third type of granule, and wherein atleast a portion of the upper layer comprises a second type of granulethat differs from the third type of granule.

Embodiment 35

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 24-34, wherein thealignment feature comprises a color different than the one or morefingers.

Embodiment 36

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 24-35, wherein thealignment feature comprises a same color as the one or more fingers.

Embodiment 37

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 24-36, wherein thealignment feature extends a distance less than a width of the roofingshingle.

Embodiment 38

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 24-37, wherein thealignment feature comprises a body having an edge, and wherein the edgeof the body indicates proper alignment between adjacent shingles to bepositioned during installation.

Embodiment 39

The roofing shingle of embodiment 38, wherein indication of properalignment between adjacent shingles is adapted to occur by one or moretactile indications, visual indications, or a combination thereof.

Embodiment 40

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 24-39, wherein a thicknessof the alignment feature is no greater than a thickness of the lowerlayer, the upper layer, or both.

Embodiment 41

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 24-40, wherein thealignment feature comprises a body having a first major surface and asecond major surface spaced apart from one another by a thickness, andat least three sides extending between the first and second majorsurfaces, wherein at least one of the at least three sides providesproper alignment between adjacent shingles during installation n a roof.

Embodiment 42

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 24-41, wherein thealignment feature has a thickness less than a thickness of the lowerlayer.

Embodiment 43

The roofing shingle of any one of the preceding embodiments, furthercomprising: an impact resistant material coupled with the lower layer.

Embodiment 44

The roofing shingle of embodiment 43, wherein the impact resistantmaterial comprises a scrim, fabric, mesh, film, paper, foil, or anycombination thereof.

Embodiment 45

The roofing shingle of embodiment 44, wherein the scrim, fabric, or meshis woven or non-woven.

Embodiment 46

The roofing shingle of embodiment 45, wherein the woven or non-wovenscrim, fabric, or mesh comprises synthetic fibers, natural fibers, or acombination thereof.

Embodiment 47

The roofing shingle of embodiment 46, wherein the synthetic fiberscomprise glass fibers, polymeric fibers, or a combination thereof.

Embodiment 48

The roofing shingle of embodiment 47, wherein the polymeric fiberscomprise polyester fibers, polyolefin fibers, polyimide fibers,polyacrylate, nylon fibers, or a combination thereof.

Embodiment 49

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 43 to 48, wherein theimpact resistant material is disposed along a lowermost side of thelower layer.

Embodiment 50

The roofing shingle of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein atleast one of the fingers comprises an impact resistant component, suchas a rubber.

Embodiment 51

A roofing shingle comprising: a lower layer including a headlap and aplurality of tabs extending from the headlap; an upper layer includingone or more fingers, wherein the one or more fingers are disconnectedfrom one another, and wherein each of the one or more fingers isdisposed on one tab of the plurality of tabs; and an alignment featuredisposed on the upper layer, wherein at least a portion of the alignmentfeature is in an exposure zone of the roofing shingle, and wherein thealignment feature comprises a body having an edge adapted to indicateproper alignment between adjacent shingles to be positioned duringinstallation on a roof.

Embodiment 52

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 2 to 51, furthercomprising: an at least partially exposed generally longitudinalreinforcement material of a substantially thinner dimension as comparedto the lower layer, wherein the reinforcement material is coupled to anexterior surface of the shingle and extends at least substantiallybetween opposite lateral edges of the shingle.

Embodiment 53

The roofing shingle of embodiment 52, wherein the shingle furthercomprises a longitudinal fastening zone between a right edge and a leftedge of the shingle, generally intermediate an upper edge and the buttend of the shingle, the reinforcement feature being at least partiallylower than the fastening zone, toward the butt end of the shingle or atleast partially in the fastening zone toward the upper edge of theshingle.

Embodiment 54

The roofing shingle of embodiment 53, wherein the reinforcement materialis coupled to a front exterior surface of the shingle.

Embodiment 55

The roofing shingle of embodiment 53, wherein the reinforcement materialis coupled to a rear exterior surface of the lower layer.

Embodiment 56

The roofing shingle of embodiment 55, wherein the reinforcement materialis disposed between a front surface of the lower layer and at least oneof the one or more fingers.

Embodiment 57

The roofing shingle of embodiment 53, wherein the reinforcement materialis coupled to a rear exterior surface of the shingle.

Embodiment 58

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 52-57, wherein thereinforcement material comprises a scrim, fabric, mesh, film, paper,foil, or any combination thereof.

Embodiment 59

The roofing shingle of embodiment 58, wherein the scrim, fabric, or meshis woven or non-woven.

Embodiment 60

The roofing shingle of embodiment 59, wherein the reinforcement materialis disposed along a lowermost side of the lower layer.

Embodiment 61

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 2-60, wherein at least oneof the one or more fingers comprises a layered construction including atleast two layers coupled together.

Embodiment 62

The roofing shingle of embodiment 61, wherein at least two of the atleast two layers share a centerline extending in a width direction ofthe shingle.

Embodiment 63

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 61 and 62, wherein atleast two of the at least two layers are offset relative to one anothersuch that the at least two layers do not share a centerline.

Embodiment 64

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 61-63, wherein at leasttwo of the at least two layers have different widths, lengths,thicknesses, or a combination thereof.

Embodiment 65

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 61-64, wherein the atleast two layers comprise at least three layers, at least four layers,at least five layers, or even at least ten layers.

Embodiment 66

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 61-65, wherein the atleast two layers are coupled together by an adhesive, a mechanicalfastener, a mechanical deformation, or a combination thereof.

Embodiment 67

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 61-66, wherein the atleast two layers comprises: a first layer; and a second layer, whereinthe second layer is at least partially disposed on the first layer.

Embodiment 68

The roofing shingle of embodiment 67, wherein the first layer has anarea less than an area of the second layer, wherein the first layer hasan area approximately equal to an area of the second layer, or whereinthe first layer has an area greater than an area of the second layer.

Embodiment 69

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 67 and 68, wherein aportion of the first layer lies along a same plane as a portion of thesecond layer.

Embodiment 70

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 67-69, wherein the atleast two layers further comprises: a third layer disposed on at leastone of the first and second layers.

Embodiment 71

The roofing shingle of embodiment 70, wherein at least a portion of thethird layer is disposed along a generally same plane as the secondlayer.

Embodiment 72

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 70 and 71, wherein thethird layer is disposed along a same plane as the second layer, andwherein the second and third layers are disposed on the first layer.

Embodiment 73

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 67-72, wherein the firstand second layers include same colors, granules, textures, or acombination thereof, or wherein the first and second layers includedifferent colors, granules, textures, or a combination thereof.

Embodiment 74

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 67-73, wherein one of thefirst and second layers includes a tapered portion, and wherein theother of the first and second layers is essentially free of a taperedportion.

Embodiment 75

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 67-73, wherein the firstand second layers each include a tapered portion.

Embodiment 76

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 67-75, wherein the firstand second layers extend same or different widths across the shingle.

Embodiment 77

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 67-76, wherein the firstand second layers extend same or different lengths across the shingle.

Embodiment 78

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 67-77, wherein the firstlayer is at least partially hidden by the second layer, when the shingleis viewed at an angle normal to a major surface thereof.

Embodiment 79

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 67-77, wherein at least10% of an area of the first layer is exposed when viewed at an anglenormal to a major surface of the shingle, at least 20% of the area isexposed, at least 30% of the area is exposed, at least 40% of the areais exposed, at least 50% of the area is exposed, at least 60% of thearea is exposed, at least 70% of the area is exposed, at least 80% ofthe area is exposed, or at least 90% of the area is exposed.

Embodiment 80

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 67-79, wherein the firstand second layers have different thicknesses or similar thicknesses.

Embodiment 81

The roofing shingle of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein atleast one of the one or more fingers is disposed at least partiallyalong a lowermost surface of the lower layer.

Embodiment 82

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 2-81, wherein at least oneof the one or more fingers has a rectangular profile.

Embodiment 83

The roofing shingle of any one of embodiments 2-81, wherein at least oneof the one or more fingers has a non-rectangular profile.

Embodiment 84

The roofing shingle of embodiment 83, wherein the non-rectangularprofile includes a tapered portion having a linear or curvilinear taperprofile.

Embodiment 85

The roofing shingle of embodiment 84, wherein the tapered portionextends partially along a width of the shingle.

Embodiment 86

The roofing shingle of embodiment 84, wherein the tapered portionextends along an entire width of the shingle.

Embodiment 87

An array of roofing shingles comprising: a first roofing shingle inaccordance with any one of embodiments 25-86; and a second roofingshingle in accordance with any one of embodiments 25-86, wherein thefirst and second roofing shingles are disposed adjacent to one anothersuch that the alignment feature of at least one of the first and secondroofing shingles aligns the first and second roofing shingles.

Note that not all of the activities described above in the generaldescription or the examples are required, that a portion of a specificactivity may not be required, and that one or more further activitiesmay be performed in addition to those described. Still further, theorder in which activities are listed is not necessarily the order inwhich they are performed.

Certain features that are, for clarity, described herein in the contextof separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a singleembodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity,described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be providedseparately or in any subcombination. Further, reference to values statedin ranges includes each and every value within that range.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have beendescribed above with regard to specific embodiments. However, thebenefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that maycause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essentialfeature of any or all the claims.

The specification and illustrations of the embodiments described hereinare intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of thevarious embodiments. The specification and illustrations are notintended to serve as an exhaustive and comprehensive description of allof the elements and features of apparatus and systems that use thestructures or methods described herein. Separate embodiments may also beprovided in combination in a single embodiment, and conversely, variousfeatures that are, for brevity, described in the context of a singleembodiment, may also be provided separately or in any subcombination.Further, reference to values stated in ranges includes each and everyvalue within that range. Many other embodiments may be apparent toskilled artisans only after reading this specification. Otherembodiments may be used and derived from the disclosure, such that astructural substitution, logical substitution, or another change may bemade without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly,the disclosure is to be regarded as illustrative rather thanrestrictive.

1. A roofing shingle consisting of: a lower layer including a headlapand a plurality of tabs extending from the headlap; and an upper layerincluding one or more fingers, wherein the one or more fingers aredisconnected from one another, and wherein each of the one or morefingers is disposed on one tab of the plurality of tabs, wherein thetotal number of the plurality of tabs is different than the total numberof the one or more fingers.
 2. The roofing shingle of claim 1, whereinthe total number of the plurality of tabs is greater than the totalnumber of fingers.
 3. The roofing shingle of claim 1, wherein at leastone of the one or more fingers extends an entire width of the lowerlayer.
 4. The roofing shingle of claim 1, wherein the shingle has a buttend, and wherein at least one of the one or more fingers extends from alocation adjacent the butt end to the headlap.
 5. The roofing shingle ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more fingers is disposed onthe headlap and extends from an upper edge of the shingle toward a buttend of the shingle, the at least one of the one or more fingers having alower edge that does not extend beyond an upper edge of an exposure zoneof the shingle.
 6. The roofing shingle of claim 1, wherein at least aportion of the lower layer comprises a first type of granule, andwherein at least a portion of the upper layer comprises a second type ofgranule that differs from the first type of granule.
 7. The roofingshingle of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more fingers hasan exposed surface area less than 99% of a surface area of one of theplurality of tabs.
 8. The roofing shingle of claim 1, wherein at leastone of the one or more fingers is coupled to the lower layer by anadhesive.
 9. The roofing shingle of claim 1, wherein at least one of thefingers comprises an impact resistant component, such as a rubber.
 10. Aroofing shingle comprising: a lower layer including a headlap and aplurality of tabs extending from the headlap; an upper layer includingone or more disconnected fingers; and an alignment feature disposed inan exposure zone of the roofing shingle.
 11. The roofing shingle ofclaim 10, wherein at least one of the one or more fingers comprises thealignment feature.
 12. The roofing shingle of claim 10, wherein theroofing shingle defines an X-direction parallel with a width of theroofing shingle and a Y-direction parallel with a length of the roofingshingle, and wherein the alignment feature is adapted to align adjacentroofing shingles in at least one of the X- and Y-directions.
 13. Theroofing shingle of claim 10, wherein the alignment feature comprises abody having an edge, and wherein the edge of the body indicates properalignment between adjacent shingles to be positioned duringinstallation.
 14. The roofing shingle of claim 10, further comprising animpact resistant material coupled with the lower layer.
 15. A roofingshingle comprising: a lowermost layer including a headlap and aplurality of tabs extending from the headlap; and one or more fingersdisconnected from one another, wherein each of the one or more fingersis disposed on one tab of the plurality of tabs, wherein the totalnumber of the plurality of tabs is different than the total number ofthe one or more fingers.
 16. The roofing shingle of claim 15, furthercomprising a longitudinal reinforcement material that is thinner thanthe lower layer, wherein the reinforcement material is coupled to anexterior surface of the shingle, wherein a portion of the reinforcementmaterial is exposed, and wherein the reinforcement material extendsbetween opposite lateral edges of the shingle.
 17. The roofing shingleof claim 16, wherein the shingle further comprises a longitudinalfastening zone which is between a right edge and a left edge of theshingle and between an upper edge and a butt end of the shingle, andwherein the reinforcement material is at least partially in thefastening zone.
 18. The roofing shingle of claim 15, wherein at leastone of the one or more fingers comprises a layered constructionincluding at least two layers coupled together.
 19. The roofing shingleof claim 18, wherein at least two of the at least two layers coupledtogether have different widths, lengths, thicknesses, or a combinationthereof.
 20. The roofing shingle of claim 15, wherein at least one ofthe one or more fingers has a rectangular profile.